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Bikes and Wheeled Toys Safety

Choosing Bikes and Helmets

Whether they are in a child seat, trailer or riding on their own, bikes are a wonderful experience for kids. So that they can enjoy riding for years to come, the adults around them need to ensure that:

  • Child seats and trailers are used safely.
  • Children have a helmet and bike that is the correct size and fit for them.
  • The child wears an approved helmet every time they ride.
  • The child seat, trailer or bike is checked regularly for wear and tear.

Helmets

After helmets were made compulsory head injuries to cyclists fell by around 40%. By law everyone who rides a bike, sits on a bike seat or in a bike trailer must wear an approved, properly fitted and fastened helmet.

Choosing a Helmet

Involve the child when choosing a helmet. They need to try it on to test that it fits them correctly and it helps with use when they are happy with its appearance. It’s good to check that:

  • The helmet meets the Australian Standards (look for a sticker stating it meets the Australia Standard - AS/NZS 2063).
  • Be wary of second-hand helmets – it can be hard to see any damage caused by previous impacts.
  • The helmet should:
  • Fit snugly - if it is too big it will not protect the child.
  • Not move/slip forward obstructing vision.
  • Not move backwards exposing the forehead.
  • Don’t forget to replace helmets every 3 years or sooner if exposed to an impact (crash, something falling on the helmet, etc.).
  • Hats (especially baseball caps) should not be worn under helmets - they can cause scalping and can block peripheral vision.
  • Adjust the head band inside the helmet and the side straps so that the side buckle sits below the earlobe and the straps form a V directly below the earlobe (see below).
  • The straps should be adjusted so that there is enough room for only two fingers between the chin and the strap.

Bikes

Choosing a Bike

It’s important to check that:

  • The child can reach the pedals at their lowest point with the seat on its lowest setting?
  • With both feet flat on the ground can the child straddle the frame with at least 2cm clearance?
  • Can the child comfortably reach the handlebars while seated?
  • Can the child comfortably reach the brake levers?

If the answer to any or all of these questions is no, then the bike is too big for the child. Take advantage of professional advice available at bicycle retailers – they can help you to determine which bike is right for the child.

Bicycle Safety Checklist

Check the child’s bike regularly:

  • Air pressure and tyres - Make sure the air pressure is correct and check for wear and tear to the tyres.
  • Brakes - Make sure both the front and back breaks work and that the child can reach the brake levers. Check for fraying or rusted cables.
  • Chain and pedals - Keep the chain oiled and running smoothly. The pedal should spin freely.
  • Handlebars - The handlebars should be tight and aligned with the fork and tyre.
  • Bells - Bells and horns should be loud enough for others to hear so they know to move out of the way of an approaching cyclist.
  • Lights and reflectors - Need to be present and working at all times. Check and replace batteries and bulbs regularly and replace broken or missing reflectors.
  • Seat - The seat must be at the correct height for peddling

It can be good to get the bicycle serviced every 12 months.

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Child Seats and Trailers

Children should not travel in a bike seat or trailer before they:

  • Are 12 months of age.
  • Can sit upright unattended.
  • Can hold their head up whilst wearing a helmet.
  • Fit into a helmet, they must wear an approved helmet every time they ride. If the helmet is too heavy for them or makes them sit uncomfortably they are not ready to travel on a bike, on a bike seat or in a bike trailer.

Practice

Ride with just the seat or trailer before you ride with the child. You will need to take into account difficulty in stopping and steering with the extra weight of the seat or trailer.

Stability

Be sure the bike is stable before you put the child in or take them out of the seat or trailer.

Baby Backpacks and Slings

Never use a baby backpack or sling to carry your child while riding a bike. If you run into something or fall off your bike the child has much further to fall, little protection and may be seriously injured if you fall on them.

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Legal Must Haves

Bicycles must have at least 1 effective brake and 1 bell, horn, or similar warning device in working order
Riding at night – legally riders must not ride at night unless they have:

  • A flashing or steady white light that is clearly visible from at least 200m from the front of the bike.
  • A flashing or steady red light that is clearly visible for at least 200m from the back of the bike.
  • A red reflector that is clearly visible for at least 50m from the rear of the bike when light is projected onto it by a vehicle’s headlight on low-beam.

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